Israeli Settlers and Jordanians Clash in Five-hour Battle

A five-hour battle between Israeli settlers and border police and Jordanian units took place in the Nevit Halamedhei area late yesterday, it was announced here today. Five Israelis were wounded, one Arab was killed and two other Jordanians were wounded in the engagement.

It was learned this morning that United Nations observers had begun an investigation of the incident on the Jordan side. They have made no inquiry on the Israel side because Israel is not participating in the Mixed Armistice Commission.

At about 1 P. M. yesterday settlers at Netiv Halamedhei were attacked while harvesting. A Jordanian force estimated at about two platoons opened fire on the settlers with automatic weapons and small arms. Two Israelis working on a combine were wounded.

The Jordanians kept up a desultory fire for two more hours, hampering attempts to rescue the wounded men. Then the Israeli border unit arrived and engaged the Arabs. Firing continued until after nightfall.